PARGAS - PORTUGAL 2023

2-8.1.2023 Left Finland, Vuosaari 2.1.2023, in the afternoon. Comfortable trip on one of Finnlines cargo ships to Travemünde. 3.1. in the evening the roadtrip towards the south och Europe could begin. Veeery long drive first in Germany with two times flash light directly on us = we got speed tickets 😖. Arriving in France 6 in the morning. Sleep, shower and onward to Epernay -the capital of Champagne. Brush up course and tasting at Jacquinot & Fils. moment in heaven!! Onward to Spain and a small city close to the French border, La Jonquera. Pretty little town, with a cheerful receptionist even if we arrived at 3am. Brunch and onward to our high light, Pares-Balta💕 in Pacs del Penedes. Close to Barcelona. Overwhelming tour and tasting with Florence! Onward in the evening to Murcia, one night stop and short drive to Almunècar the day after. To see Mimi and Keepu again was the start of vacation, so happy to have them as friends!! Good food, good mood and also a brilliant tour up in the mountains tasting mountain wines. Mountain wines are made off grapes grown at altitude above 500m. We tasted wines served in El Bulli and price winning ones at Calvente. 8.1. Towards new experiences and Portugal. Conceiçao i Tavira was our destination. We had booked a vill that was an apartment. Because of severe lacking in electricity, equipment and maybe the worse thing - no fan over the hobs (stove). The meaning was to cook quite a lot, create new tastes, visions and at the same time eat well and enjoy life. After an abrupt electrical problem we decided to change accommodation. We are now staying in the hills by Tavira. Nice flat with A FAN 😘...but no hobs working except one on the stove 😝...with a terrible noice. To be or not to be in Portugal? Working, relaxing in the sun, good food and drink - looking forward to a great combo of work and vacation and experiences Our route north-south Thank you all who made the trip perfect, from here we continue. Eva & Amanda Below some pics

2022 - Rocky roads in different directions

The last years I have not had the time to write so much. Getting older meaning getting slower - in a way enjoying life in a different way. 2022 was a very different year with wibes from 2017 when Petter passed away. Death in the family was present 2 times in 3 months. Left to struggel on is Amanda and me, Eva. Overall 2022 felt both rocky and rugged. January-Fabruary I was in Åre and swinged pans, pots, vacuum cleaner and skies. You always feel so alive when beeing at Mullfjället. But, as I wrote in the beginning, I get older and slower. So the weeks were a bit tuff. Back in Pargas the whole season went well if we look at business. Good mood at work, amazing staff, Amanda and Hannu! Also the weather has been nice, not to hot, not to cold and this year no broken arms as in 2021. I am so grateful for all our customers @EVA (Matmalmen) - both Amanda and I love you and hope to have you present also in the future. Sleeping in my own bedroom was not easy since my neighbour changed from beeing a pub to becoming night club open until 4am. Jeeeee how much can people drink and party! I am amazed and at the same time unhappy because it means no sleep for me as neighbour to the night club. Trying to cooperate with all authorities aswell as the neighbour, unfortunately without any progress. Feel a bit like a bitch when I try to get any progress in the noise matter. This was and still is the rocky and rugged part. My husband, Petter, and I had a goal, to whenever the first time possible, take a road trip to Europe. Petter is no longer with me on earth, but oh how present he is mentally. I saw the possibility coming up, what a feeling! I am so happy Amanda decided to join the roadtrip. In August we started to make plans, bookings and in October we bought a new car where our bikes would fit in. To have this journey ahead made the Autumn and Winter run smoothly. The business year ended 23. December by treating all our fantastic loyalty customers with food and drink. My private year ended as for everybody else 31. December and I was lucky to be among the best of friends. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!! 2.1.2023 - We have now started the grand tour to Europe, hopefully ending up in Tavira, Portugal. I will write and add pictures as the trip goes on - so happy if you follow us :) Hugs Eva, Amanda & Hannu